QuoteThe word "appreciation" means to be thankful and express admiration, approval, or gratitude. It also means to grow or appreciate in value. As you appreciate life, you become more valuable-both to yourself and others. ~Sara Paddison~

MeditationLearning to appreciate others, what we have, who we are, and life in general pays endless dividends. As you go through your day, purpose to express some form of sincere appreciation to all whom you come into contact, and simply watch the result which flows from it. Make time to contemplate on, and appreciate all those things you yourself may have come to take for granted. Not only will it affect your own perspective, but the resulting change in attitude will add value to all that you do.

Thought for the day

Today and every day give thanks to God during your prayers for one thing (not family members) that you take for granted, be it a hobby, garden tools, your air conditioning, the neighbor you never talk to, your legs, etc. Especially important is the gift of fellowship and friendship.Is there an individual that we have ignored or left unattended for a long time?It is pleasing to God that we do not ignore his gifts.

ScripturesTherefore encourage (admonish, exhort) one another and edify (strengthen and build up) one another, just as you are doing. Now also we beseech you, brethren, get to know those who labor among you [recognize them for what they are, acknowledge and appreciate and respect them all]–your leaders who are over you in the Lord and those who warn and kindly reprove and exhort you. And hold them in very high and most affectionate esteem in [intelligent and sympathetic] appreciation of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. And we earnestly beseech you, brethren, admonish (warn and seriously advise) those who are out of line [the loafers, the disorderly, and the unruly]; encourage the timid and fainthearted, help and give your support to the weak souls, [and] be very patient with everybody [always keeping your temper].~1 Thessalonians 5:11-14 (Amp)~

…as the Scripture says, What eye has not seen and ear has not heard and has not entered into the heart of man, [all that] God has prepared (made and keeps ready) for those who love Him [who hold Him in affectionate reverence, promptly obeying Him and gratefully recognizing the benefits He has bestowed]. Yet to us God has unveiled and revealed them by and through His Spirit…Now we have not received the spirit [that belongs to] the world, but the [Holy] Spirit Who is from God, [given to us] that we might realize and comprehend and appreciate the gifts [of divine favor and blessing so freely and lavishly] bestowed on us by God.~1 Corinthians 2:9,10,12 (Amp)~